chapter eleven

Adaora's pov

The school hall was packed. Students whispered excitedly, eyes glued to the stage. The tension in the air was thick, and my heart pounded as I stood in line with the other contestants, waiting for my turn.

When it was finally time, I stepped forward, back straight, chin up.

Smile, wave, walk confidence, Adaora! I reminded myself.

I moved smoothly across the stage, my steps light yet firm. My eyes scanned the audience, where I spotted my friends in the front row, grinning and giving me thumbs up.

When all the contestants had their turn, the judges whispered among themselves, nodding and scribbling notes. The air felt heavy with anticipation.

Then, the microphone crackled.

"Now, we will announce the names of the ten finalists moving to the grand finale."

The hall went dead silent.

One by one, the names were called.

The first… not me.

The second… still not me.

Then—

"Third finalist Adaora Okechukwu!"

For a second, I froze.

Then my friends erupted in cheers.

"Adaora, you made it!" Ifeoma screamed, jumping up.

Stella grabbed my arm, shaking me excitedly. "You're in the finals! Oh my God!"

Zainab clapped her hands. "This is it! Our girl is going to the finals!"

I let out a breath, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. "Yes, yes, I made it!"

We hugged, screaming in excitement.

As the rest of the names were called, I barely heard them. All I could think about was—I'm one step closer to winning.

---

Finals Week Begins

The next week was intense.

Stella practiced her dance routines nonstop, determined to beat Princess. "I won't let some JSS3 girl twerk her way past me," she declared.

Ifeoma worked on her vocals, listening to music every second of the day. "That SS3 guy might have the voice of an angel, but I have power!"

Zainab had become a kitchen goddess, whipping up meals with new confidence.

As for me?

Ana helped me refine my walk and posture, giving me tips on how to own the stage.

The grand finale was just days away.

We had all come so far.

Now, we just had to prove ourselves.

Finals – Day One

I woke up feeling like I had swallowed a block of ice. My stomach was in knots, and my hands were cold. Today was the finals, and I was terrified.

What if I tripped? What if I forgot my moves? What if Anita did something to embarrass me?

I sighed and buried my face in my pillow.

A gentle knock on my door made me sit up. My dad walked in with a small smile.

"Nkem," he called softly, using the name I hated but somehow, this morning, it felt different.

I looked at him. "Dad, I'm nervous."

He sat beside me, his warm hand patting mine. "You are beautiful, inside and out. You have always been a bright star, and today, all you have to do is shine. Don't think about anyone else. Just be you, and that is enough."

I blinked back tears and nodded. "Thank you, Dad."

He smiled. "Now go and show them who Adaora is!"

That was all the motivation I needed.

---

At School

When I got to Evercrest Academy, my jaw dropped.

The entire school had been transformed. Colorful banners hung high, and fresh flowers lined the walkway leading to the stage. The scent of roses and jasmine filled the air.

"Wow." I whispered, clutching my costumes and makeup bag tighter.

I spotted my friends, all buzzing with excitement.

"Adaora!" Ifeoma called, running to me. "This is it! Finals!"

I laughed. "I know! Look at this place!"

Zainab twirled. "It feels like we're in a movie!"

Music Competition

The first event was the singing competition. The crowd roared as Ifeoma stepped onto the stage.

She was stunning her royal blue gown sparkled under the lights, and her confidence radiated across the hall.

Then, the music started.

She was singing "Hello" by Beyonce.

Her voice filled the hall, powerful and rich. She hit every note flawlessly, her emotions pouring into every word. The audience swayed, some even singing along.

By the time she finished, the entire hall erupted into cheers.

"Ifeoma! Ifeoma!" people chanted.

I clapped so hard my hands stung. "She's going to win this."

Cooking Competition

Next was Zainab's turn. The cooking competition had already taken place earlier, but the results were being announced now.

A hush fell over the crowd as the judge stepped forward.

"And the winner of the Evercrest Academy Cooking Competition is…"

A pause.

"Zainab Bello!"

I screamed. "Zainab, you did it!"

She covered her mouth in shock before running up to receive her trophy. She held it up high, beaming with pride.

---

Dance Competition

Then came the dancing.

Stella was next. She stepped onto the stage, fire in her eyes. The music dropped, and she owned the floor.

Every movement was sharp, controlled, and full of energy. She spun, flipped, and kept up with the beats effortlessly.

The crowd went wild, cheering her name.

But when the winners were announced, Stella came second.

The real shocker? Princess didn't even win.

Instead, an SS3 girl stole the spotlight with moves none of us had ever seen before.

"What?!" Stella gasped. "Who is she?!"

We watched as the SS3 girl claimed her trophy, smiling confidently.

Stella pouted. "I should have won."

I patted her shoulder. "You were amazing, Stella. Second place is still a win!"

She sighed. "I guess… but next time, I'll take first."

---

Waiting for Pageantry

I walked over to Ifeoma, who was still glowing from her performance.

"They'll announce the music winner soon," she whispered. "But after the pageantry."

My heart skipped.

It was time for my biggest challenge.

The pageantry was next.

Pageantry Begins

The hall buzzed with excitement as the pageantry competition officially started. The first round was the Native Wear segment.

One by one, the contestants stepped onto the stage, each representing their cultural heritage with grace.

The moment it was my turn, I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

---

My Native Wear first,it was so beautiful 

I walked out in my richly embroidered red and gold George wrapper, tied firmly around my waist, with a matching blouse that hugged my shoulders. My beads deep coral red adorned my neck, wrists, and ankles, while my hair was woven into a stylish updo, decorated with golden accessories.

A long, beautifully carved staff rested in my hand as I moved gracefully, my steps steady, confident, and full of joy.

The crowd cheered, some whispering in admiration. I caught sight of my dad in the audience, his proud smile widening as he clapped for me.

As I reached the center of the stage, I twirled slightly, letting my wrapper flow elegantly. Then, I gave a deep Igbo-style bow, just as my grandmother taught me.

I turned and walked off the stage, feeling the weight of history and pride in my every step.

---

After the native round, we hurried backstage to change into our English evening gowns.

I carefully slipped into my dress a flowing sky-blue gown with silver embellishments. It was simple, yet undeniably elegant. My makeup was soft and natural, highlighting my features without being too bold.

As I stepped in front of the mirror, I barely recognized myself.

"Wow," Ana whispered beside me. "Adaora, you look like a queen."

I smiled nervously. "You think so?"

Before she could answer, Anita dramatically flipped her hair and walked by, wearing a flashy, heavily beaded gown. She barely glanced at me but then she stopped.

For the first time, Anita looked at me properly. Her eyes widened slightly, and then she scoffed, flipping her hair again.

"Hmph. Not bad," she muttered under her breath before walking off.

I exchanged glances with Ana, and we both held back a laugh.

When it was my turn to step out in my evening gown, I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.

The moment I emerged, the entire hall erupted.

"Wooooow!" someone shouted.

"Adaora!!!" my friends screamed.

Even teachers nodded in appreciation, whispering among themselves.

I glided across the stage, my dress flowing beautifully behind me. My posture was poised, my smile radiant, and my steps confident.

I saw Anita in the corner, arms crossed, lips pursed. But even she couldn't hide the small look of surprise on her face.

For the first time, I truly felt beautiful. And, most importantly, I felt like a winner.

I stood on stage, my heart pounding as the last girl before me finished answering her question with ease.

Then, my name was called.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, smiling despite the nervous tremor in my hands. The teacher, Mrs. Gloria, looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite place. Then, she flipped through her notes and asked:

"Adaora, explain the economic impact of colonization on Nigeria, detailing at least three major industries affected by colonial rule and how this shaped the country's post-independence development. Also, compare Nigeria's independence movement to that of Ghana, highlighting at least two key differences in their struggles."

My mind went blank.

I barely registered the gasps from the crowd. This wasn't a pageantry question this was something for a full history essay!

I opened my mouth, trying to gather my thoughts, but Mrs. Gloria immediately cut me off.

"Answer quickly! No time to think," she said sharply.

The other girls had been given time to breathe, time to compose themselves, but I was being rushed.

I swallowed, my mind scrambling. "Uh… colonization impacted Nigeria's economy by—by introducing cash crops like cocoa and palm oil…"

Mrs. Gloria arched a brow. "Is that all? You were asked for three industries."

"I—uh—textiles were affected too, and—"

"Speak up!" she snapped. "I can't hear you!"

Laughter rippled through the audience. My vision blurred as I forced myself to continue. "Um, Nigeria's independence was—was in 1960, and Ghana's was in—1957…"

Mrs. Gloria crossed her arms. "And what were the two key differences in their struggles?"

I struggled to recall the exact details, but the pressure was overwhelming.

"Well, uh, Ghana had—"

"Time's up!" Mrs. Gloria declared, waving me off dismissively. "It seems our contestant is struggling."

A few chuckles echoed through the hall.

Humiliation burned through me as I quickly turned and walked off the stage, my head low. My friends would be so disappointed.

---

I barely made it behind the curtains before I heard that slow, deliberate clap.

I turned, and there she was. Anita.

Her lips curled into a smug smile as she sauntered toward me. "I told you I would win," she said, her voice dripping with triumph. "Did you really think you stood a chance against me?"

My throat felt tight. "You… you did this?"

Anita smirked. "Of course, I did. I made sure the teachers gave you a question so difficult even the SS3 students would struggle with it. And you—you failed miserably."

I clenched my fists. "Why, Anita? What did I ever do to you?"

Anita leaned in slightly, her eyes cold. "I want to win. And I want you to fail miserably. Of all the girls, only you couldn't answer your question. How shameful." She let out a cruel laugh. "Hahaha."

Before I could even react, a blur of movement shot past me.

Ifeoma.

She shoved Anita hard, fury blazing in her eyes. "You demon! You wicked girl!"

Anita barely stumbled, still grinning. "Oh, please. It's not my fault Adaora can't handle real competition."

Ifeoma pointed at her. "You planned this! You cheated!"

Anita just smirked, flicking her hair back before walking off with a victorious sway.

Stella appeared next, shaking her head in disbelief. "That wasn't a pageant question—that was a university exam!"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I finally broke down. "I tried… I really tried…"

Then, Zainab rushed in and hugged me tightly. "Don't cry," she whispered. "You still have one more round—the swimsuit category tomorrow. You can still dazzle them and regain your points!"

I sniffled, wiping my tears. "You really think so?"

"I know so," she said firmly.

Before I could respond, an announcement blared through the speakers.

"And the winner of the dance competition is… Ifeoma!"

We all gasped, turning to her with wide eyes.

"You should go," I whispered, pushing her toward the stage.

But she hesitated. "No, I don't want to leave you like this."

I forced a small smile. "Go. You deserve it."

She finally nodded and rushed off.

I took a deep breath.

Tomorrow wasn't just about the swimsuit competition anymore.

It was about proving that Anita's tricks wouldn't break me.

And I would make sure I shined.